ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Many adults struggle to receive an ADHD diagnosis because doctors use different guidelines for diagnosing the disorder than they do for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires a minimum of five symptoms in the categories of inattention, hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
The professionals conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your education, childhood as well as your work and family history. They may also request to speak to your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
Whether you keep losing your keys, struggle with work or school or are having trouble staying focused during conversations, obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a great relief. "You know that you're not insane, and that puts you in an ideal position to handle it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D. who is an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on Long Island, New York.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5), provides guidelines for providers to diagnose ADHD. Adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- 5 out of 9 over the past 6 months -- to be diagnosed with either inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a combination.
An ADHD evaluation typically begins with a face-to–face conversation with your healthcare provider who will discuss your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. Bring along any report cards from your childhood to help the doctor determine the cause of your ADHD. Your doctor may suggest that you talk to a friend, spouse, family member or co-worker who knows you well. They could inquire about your relationship and their observations of your behavior and how it affects them, as well as how your ADHD symptoms can be linked to other disorders like depression or anxiety.
You'll be asked about your life during the interview, including the frequency you fail to go to appointments or pay bills or if you're having difficulties managing your time. It is important to be honest in your answers and take note of how these habits impact your daily life. If you're unsure about your symptoms, consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to another psychologist or doctor for an assessment. Self-tests and rating systems are available online, but these are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Certain tests could even lead to the wrong diagnosis, so it's best to speak with your doctor first.
Signs and symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if suspect you may have ADHD. They may refer you to an expert in mental health such as psychiatrist or psychologist, to be evaluated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision DSM-5 provides guidelines for clinicians to identify mental disorders. It is essential to provide your physician as much information as you can about your symptoms, so they can make an accurate diagnosis.
The person who is evaluating you will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They might also talk to your children and spouse as well as teachers, colleagues and others who know you. Your assessment could include neuropsychological, behavioral, or testing for learning disabilities. These tests will give your doctor additional information on how your ADHD symptoms affect you and can help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
In addition to evaluating your current symptoms, the professional will determine whether you have predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined type ADHD. To receive a diagnosis, you must show that you have at least six of the nine symptoms for either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
The symptoms of the primarily inattentional type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is evaluating the child will also determine how these signs affect the school, work and personal life. The impulsive/hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD include fidgeting, difficulty sitting still or squirming in the chair, excessive talking and interrupting others, frequent blurting out answers before questions are finished and difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Often, these symptoms appear in childhood. They can also occur in adulthood. Adults may notice their own ADHD symptoms after their children are diagnosed, or after an event in their lives such as a job, marriage or moving into a new home. In some cases, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or with their relationships. This can include being fired from a job, having financial problems or being in trouble with the law.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, a screening is the first step to finding a treatment. A qualified mental health professional will meet with you and discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history and family history. The interview might also include questions regarding work and school performance and how the symptoms affect your life at home and in relationships. You may want to bring copies of your report cards, teacher comments and any other documents that could be relevant.
The psychiatric professional utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD should be present for at least six months and they must interfere with development or functioning in multiple environments, such as school or home. In addition, the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder.
Many people suffering from ADHD continue to struggle throughout their adulthood. These symptoms can impact the school and work environment, leading to poor financial or personal health, and cause strain in relationships. If you are diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.
Some signs of ADHD develop with age, for instance the symptoms of inattention may become more evident as you age and impulsivity and hyperactivity could lessen as you get older. Other factors can cause problems. For instance sleep apnea, also known as obstructive, is more prevalent in adults suffering from ADHD. Poor sleep habits can also cause ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the underlying disorder can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. If you have any other medical illnesses, it is crucial to tell your mental health professional as this could have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is crucial to talk to your primary doctor who can refer you to an experienced health professional who is trained in ADHD assessments for adults. Find out if there are support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They may have resources and a list of specialists by specialization. You can also contact your insurance company to find out about health care providers that are covered under your plan.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is the best way to determine the severity of adult ADHD. The examination should include questions about your childhood, current life and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may be asked if your ADHD symptoms have caused problems at work, in school or with your relationships.
There are many treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, including medication and counseling. Counseling can be described as psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to change negative thinking patterns into positive ones. diagnosis adhd can also help with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These drugs alter the way that certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate behavior. Your doctor will select the best medication for you and your specific symptoms and will alter the dosage and frequency to suit your needs. Nonstimulants are also available which do not act on the same brain pathways as psychostimulants and are beneficial for people with ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and Guanfacine.
Coaching or mentoring may be used to teach people with ADHD strategies and coping strategies. You may be taught how to use a diary or a planner, or be shown techniques for managing your time. You can also benefit from altering your living situation to accommodate your ADHD symptoms, such as working from home rather than working in a place of work or using apps on your smartphone to keep track of tasks, or scheduling appointments for times that aren't as busy. You may also wish to inquire about taking part in clinical trials that is a research investigation designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to treat ailments and diseases. (NIMH offers information on clinical trials.
Sometimes your family physician may refer you to a mental health specialist or other health care professional for an evaluation of your ADHD. You can ask a family member or family member for recommendations, or contact an local ADHD support group.